The definition of modern real estate management has changed dramatically in recent years. In 2026, a building will no longer be just a static shell, but a highly networked system. However, many people still ask themselves: What is a smart building at its core?
Today, it goes far beyond the simple automation of blinds or radiators. A true smart building uses a central data platform to control all processes, from energy efficiency to floor cleaning, autonomously and according to demand.
The evolution of building automation in smart buildings in 2026
Traditional building automation in smart buildings has reached a new level thanks to artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Whereas rigid schedules used to dominate, modern systems now respond in real time to the actual use of space.
Dynamic space utilisation and robot integration
A key trend is the integration of autonomous service robotics directly into control systems. A smart building uses presence detectors to identify, for example, which conference rooms or corridors were heavily used during the day. This data is transmitted directly to the cleaning fleet.
This is where Nexaro's solution comes in:
Nexaro NR 1700: Our most advanced commercial vacuum robot, specially designed for the demands of complex environments. It integrates seamlessly into building automation in smart buildings and communicates directly with the building infrastructure.
Linking this hardware to the Nexaro HUB creates a transparent ecosystem that reduces operating costs and improves cleaning quality through demand-driven operations.
When science fiction becomes reality: impressive examples of modern smart buildings
Visionary projects around the world demonstrate that the concepts of building automation in a smart building go far beyond standard solutions. One pioneer is ‘The Edge’ in Amsterdam: this property is often referred to as a ‘computer with a roof’. Here, no employee has a fixed desk; instead, an app assigns the ideal workspace based on the daily schedule. The building even knows how each individual likes their coffee and prepares it to their exact specifications at the nearest machine.
Another extreme is the Bee'ah Headquarters in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to comprehensive AI integration, it offers a ‘contactless path’ where doors open automatically and lifts are called without the need for touch – controlled by facial recognition and smartphone pairing. In Shanghai, the Glumac office goes one step further for health: a real-time air quality monitoring system purifies the indoor air so efficiently that it is cleaner than in most health resorts, even when outdoor levels in the megacity are critical. These examples illustrate that today's smart buildings are living systems that adapt to people, not the other way around.
Why every modern company needs to know: What is the value of a smart building?
Investing in intelligent technology is no longer an end in itself. Anyone who answers the question ‘What is a smart building?’ from a purely technical perspective overlooks the economic and ecological aspects.
- Sustainability and ESG: Intelligent control ensures that energy is only consumed where it is needed. This is a key component in meeting the strict ESG criteria of the real estate industry.
- Skills shortage: Autonomous systems such as the Nexaro NR 1700 take on repetitive tasks so that staff can concentrate on more demanding activities. Our latest study on building cleaning also shows how robotics can ease the burden of everyday work.
- Value retention: Properties that rely on modern smart building automation achieve higher rents and are future-proof against regulatory changes.
Actively shaping digital transformation
The path to becoming a smart property does not have to be complicated. The key lies in choosing the right partners and interfaces. A smart building is only as good as the data it processes and the systems that translate that data into action.
Whether by optimising cleaning cycles with the Nexaro NR 1700 or completely digitising your processes in the Nexaro HUB, we support you in making your property fit for tomorrow's requirements. Avoid high opportunity costs due to outdated structures and rely on a future-oriented solution.
